Ihrke's new shop opened its doors last week in the 1,600-square-foot space at 20 Third St. S.W., last occupied by The Nordic Gypsy. Exquisite Leather is a women's boutique featuring clothing, jewelry, purses, luggage as well as leather and fur coats.

A grand opening featuring live music, refreshments, secret sales and more is scheduled for Nov.16.

This new location joins Ihrke's two other Exquisite stores in downtown — the original in theKahler Grand Hotel subway and a Peace Plaza one that opened in June at 100 1st Ave. S.W. General Manager Lynne Riley handles the day-to-day operations of all three.

"I've needed more room for sometime. There's enough business for all three stores," she said.

Having double the floor space in the Historic Third Street store versus
the 750-square-foot spaces of her other shops means this store can carry
home decor as well as more lines of gifts and cards. The other stores
will focus more on the clothing and accessories lines.

The store is based on the street level of the same building that houses the new speakeasy-style basement bar, The Doggery.
Ihrke said the addition of The Doggery to the mix of popular
restaurants, bars and stores on the short street is really ramping up
the foot traffic.

Unlike her subway location, Ihrke plans to offer expanded hours at her
Third Street shop by being open most nights and on the weekends.

To staff the trio of stores, Ihrke said she and Riley have been on "a
hiring rampage" to bring her team up to a total of 12 employees.